Glenn Clabo
01-03-2004, 4:47 PM
Right to it...these are VERY comfortable Spokeshaves! This is something that a picture or catalog words can’t clearly describe. They seem to just settle into my hand right out of the box. Santa (aka TLOML)...who was sitting beside me when I opened the boxes said "Now that's a pretty tool!"
The blade is thick, 1/8 inch and 2 1/8 inch wide which makes it feel solid in use. No chatter at all on first swipe which I couldn't resist even before I cleaned it up. However, only time will tell when it comes to making and keeping an edge. I don't doubt LV when it comes to quality of material though. It just needs a little shine (anal sharpener) of the 35 deg factory micro edge off the 30 deg primary...which btw isn't mentioned in the catalog but is a nice (and I'm sure a little more expensive than the usual single edge) touch.
Adjustment by thumbscrews is smooth...and an interesting addition. It only took me a minute to figure out how to hold it so I can make fine adjustments. I'm sure everyone will find a comfort zone. There is a little side to side float (?) of the blade as you move it up and down. I don't know if centering is absolutely required...but it's not hard to get it. There is very little slop (edited...bad word...play maybe better) between the blade slot and the adjustment thumbwheels...but if you are doing fine work you need to remember to set blade depth on the down side of adjustment. Skewing the blade will aid in use in grainy wood and make up for a slight miss while sharpening...which of course nobody would do here.
Bottom line...There is something very special about the feel of wood in your hands when you are working wood. The rosewood is not only pretty...it just feels good. I continue to be impressed with LV tools. I'm already very happy with this LV purchase...it's a hundred bucks well spent. Now I really need to make something that can stow and still show off these fine LV tools.
The blade is thick, 1/8 inch and 2 1/8 inch wide which makes it feel solid in use. No chatter at all on first swipe which I couldn't resist even before I cleaned it up. However, only time will tell when it comes to making and keeping an edge. I don't doubt LV when it comes to quality of material though. It just needs a little shine (anal sharpener) of the 35 deg factory micro edge off the 30 deg primary...which btw isn't mentioned in the catalog but is a nice (and I'm sure a little more expensive than the usual single edge) touch.
Adjustment by thumbscrews is smooth...and an interesting addition. It only took me a minute to figure out how to hold it so I can make fine adjustments. I'm sure everyone will find a comfort zone. There is a little side to side float (?) of the blade as you move it up and down. I don't know if centering is absolutely required...but it's not hard to get it. There is very little slop (edited...bad word...play maybe better) between the blade slot and the adjustment thumbwheels...but if you are doing fine work you need to remember to set blade depth on the down side of adjustment. Skewing the blade will aid in use in grainy wood and make up for a slight miss while sharpening...which of course nobody would do here.
Bottom line...There is something very special about the feel of wood in your hands when you are working wood. The rosewood is not only pretty...it just feels good. I continue to be impressed with LV tools. I'm already very happy with this LV purchase...it's a hundred bucks well spent. Now I really need to make something that can stow and still show off these fine LV tools.